Newly Released Cambridge History of Ancient Christianity Reveals Contested Origins and Debates in Early Christian World
The recently published Cambridge History of Ancient Christianity sheds light on the contested origins and debates within the early Christian world. Edited by Bruce Longenecker and David Wilhite from Baylor University, this comprehensive volume offers valuable insights into the development of Christian life and thought during the first three centuries of the common era.
The concept of ancient Christianity has sparked much debate due to the diverse forms of devotion to Jesus Christ, various phenomena, and different permutations that characterized the formative period of Christian history. Within this framework, numerous contests arose as different Christian identities claimed authority and authenticity in distinct ways. The Cambridge History of Ancient Christianity delves into these contested areas, providing nuanced and clear assessments of recent scholarly advancements. By reviewing, synthesizing, and critically engaging with these developments, the book offers constructive paths for future research.
The impressive list of contributors comprises a group of renowned scholars who have delved deeply into the subject matter. The book’s thematic chapters, totaling 27, were specially commissioned for this volume and cover a range of topics related to ancient Christian history. The table of contents alone highlights the breadth of coverage and diverse viewpoints presented in the book.
One of the sections that captures attention is Contested Heritage, featuring chapters on Jews and Christians in Pagan Antiquity, the Marcionite options, Gnosticising options, early Christian involvement in classical education and philosophy, scriptures and interpretations in early Christian history, masculinity, femininity, and sexuality in early Christianity, Christian slavery, and wealth, almsgiving, and poverty. These chapters delve into the contested aspects of early Christianity, shedding light on the dialogues and controversies that unfolded during that era. The book consistently emphasizes the polyphonic and polycentric nature of early Christianity, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the period.
In a related development, Baylor University’s Jeff Fish has co-authored a groundbreaking study that reports the discovery of sayings of Jesus preserved in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri from Egypt. These sayings, known as logia, provide valuable insights into the beliefs of early Christians, likely dating back to the second century. While isolated sayings of Jesus have surfaced throughout history, these newly discovered examples carry special significance due to their early origin. The findings align with both canonical gospels, particularly Matthew and Luke, and non-canonical sources like the Gospel of Thomas. This discovery emphasizes how Christians remembered and quoted these sayings, offering a window into their practices and beliefs.
The publication of the Cambridge History of Ancient Christianity and the discovery of these early Christian sayings highlight the ongoing research and new insights that continue to emerge even after centuries of study. Scholars and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate the celebratory event for the new History, to be held at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion in early 2024. More details about the event will be announced in due course.
Overall, these notable developments in the field of ancient Christianity serve to deepen our understanding of the contested origins and debates that shaped early Christian world, providing valuable contributions to the ongoing study of Christian history.
